Inspired by Aberdeen’s touring around the world, Sayang Kinabalu is Aberdeen’s take on a Malaysian folk song, featuring Malaysian drummer Arthur Kam. The song begins with a choir of horns recorded to feel like a bed or hug of warmth. This song, about the expansive landscape of Mount Kinabalu inspired Brian Plautz’s arrangement, capturing a building sound of cinematic layering reminiscent of the mountainous imagery. The final statement of the melody, at the top of the mountain, features soaring horn improvisations from alto saxophonist Brian Plautz, tenor saxophonist Jared Yee and trombonists Seth Weaver and Billy Duffy.
from
Held Together,
released February 17, 2023
Traditional Malaysian Folk Song
Written by Asmin Mudin
Arranged by Brian Plautz
Drums recorded by Arthur Kam
Percussion recorded by Josh Bailey
Saxophones, trombones & vocals recorded by Brian Plautz
Bass Clarinet recorded by Max Zooi
Trumpet recorded by Chloe Rowlands
Additional trumpet recorded by Matt Owens
Guitar recorded by Shubh Saran & Brian Plautz
Additional guitar recorded by Alex Conroy at The Bunker Studio
Piano recorded by Charles Van Kirk
Bass recorded by Adam Neely
Trumpet - Mat Owens & Chloe Rowlands
Alto Saxophone - Brian Plautz
Tenor Saxophone - Jared Yee
Bass Clarinet - Max Zooi
Trombone - Billy Duffy & Seth Weaver
Baritone Saxophone - Brian Plautz
Vocals - Brian Plautz
Electric Guitar - Alex Conroy & Shubh Saran
Acoustic Guitar - Shubh Saran
Piano - Christian Li
Synthesizers - Brian Plautz
Electric Bass - Adam Neely
Drum Set - Arthur Kam
Percussion - Josh Bailey
Produced by Brian Plautz
Album Artwork by Lee KromaKode
Album Design by Dylan Aiello
Mixed & Mastered by Vlad Orzhekhovskiy
Special thanks to Dottie Scharr, Liz Plautz, Greg Plautz, Owen Plautz, Pran Bandi, C-bass Chiriboga, VJ Brown, Liz Maney, Erika Baterdene, Robert Tate, John Dwyer, San Juniper Band, Tegshbayar Tseepil, Bayartsengel Bekhbat, Warner Music Central Europe and Layla